Pest identification
What's eating my navelwort?
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects clustered on new shoots and undersides of leaves; sticky honeydew; curled, yellowing tips
Control: Blast off with a gentle water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil solution weekly until clear
Fungus gnats
Signs: Tiny dark flies around the pot; larvae feed on fine roots, stunting growth in seedlings and young plants
Control: Allow the top inch of compost to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white wax at leaf bases and stem joints; slow growth, leaf yellowing
Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; treat the whole plant with diluted neem oil spray every 7–10 days for 3 weeks
Keep navelwort pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Navelwort pests — FAQ
What is eating my navelwort?
Navelwort (Umbilicus rupestris) is a cool-growing succulent seldom bothered by pests when kept indoors. Aphids occasionally cluster on new growth, and fungus gnats thrive if the soil stays too wet. Root rot from overwatering is a bigger concern than insects. Good drainage and airflow keep most problems away.
How do I get rid of aphids on navelwort?
Soft-bodied insects clustered on new shoots and undersides of leaves; sticky honeydew; curled, yellowing tips Blast off with a gentle water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil solution weekly until clear
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on navelwort?
Tiny dark flies around the pot; larvae feed on fine roots, stunting growth in seedlings and young plants Allow the top inch of compost to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)
How do I get rid of mealybugs on navelwort?
Fluffy white wax at leaf bases and stem joints; slow growth, leaf yellowing Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; treat the whole plant with diluted neem oil spray every 7–10 days for 3 weeks